Sean Johnson recalled for U.S. friendly at Russia

Sean Johnson won’t take part in the last week of postseason training this week. That’s because the 23-year-old Fire goalkeeper has been re-called by U.S. Men’s National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann for the side’s 2012 finale against Russia this week.

Johnson is one of three MLS players that have joined the mostly European contingent in Klinsmann's 20-man roster for Wednesday’s friendly in the southwestern Russian city of Krasnador (LIVE 9am CT on ESPN2). The Fire netminder joins Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando and Everton's Tim Howard as one of three goalkeepers on the roster.

“There was obvious disappointed that we didn’t make it further in the playoffs but I’m looking forward now,” Johnson told Chicago-Fire.com. “It’s a positive thing to be in with this group again and I think its an important thing for us. I’m excited to be back with the guys again and looking forward to the game against Russia.”

Along with representing the United States at U-20 and U-23 level, Johnson has earned two full international caps, making his debut in a 1-1 draw with Chile on January 22, 2011.

The call-up marks the Fire goalkeeper’s fourth of 2012, having previously been summoned for Klinsmann’s January camp (where he earned his second cap), the August 15 friendly victory at Mexico and the team’s World Cup qualifying defeat at Jamaica on September 7.

The U.S. Men's National Team is 0-2-2 all-time in four matchesagainst Russia with the last encounter coming with a 2-0 friendly defeat in Moscow on April 26, 2000. All 14 players that took part in for the U.S. have since retired.